Week 48 - Shadows, Shapes and Lines

Shadows and Shapes

In addition to the influence of photographers, painters, and authors, images we made previously remain in our visual archives. They continue to influence us. All but a few photos here have been random and unplanned explorations of black-and-white photography.

However, this one is a scene I visited in the past, knowing that it was an opportunity to leverage the unique qualities of a monochrome image.

The small space, cast in a diagonal of shadow and light, is an endless array of lines and shapes. There are light triangles on the base of each column on the left side. Ovals of sunlight fill the right side, while arches are in shadow above. The floor is a pattern of alternating trapezoids of shadow and light.

Enough geometry, and more importantly, how does this serve us in photography? Shapes are pleasing because our mind immediately recognizes them. They fit together in patterns and blocks that do not require processing.

At the same time, the eye searches for an element that counters the perceived order, an object that removes abstraction. The human form always acts as a visionary magnet. Even, or especially, as it exits the scene.

f8 1/2000 sec ISO 200 December 1, 2022